Compositions and methods for bed bug control using entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract

Barrier treatment compositions using conidia of entomopathogenic fungi and methods for applying and using the same for bed bug population control and prevention are disclosed. The compositions and methods of the invention provide residual biopesticides control for bed bug populations using barrier treatment compositions transferring conidia of entomopathogenic fungi to a population of bed bugs providing effective kill within about 24 hours to about 10 days. The compositions and methods provide significantly enhanced horizontal transmission of the conidia of the entomopathogenic fungi providing enhanced bed bug control without detrimental effects of bed bug tolerance, resistance and/or negative impact on humans or animals contacting the residual biopesticides.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 593,025, filed Jan. 31, 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to compositions and methods, including prophylactic methods, for bed bug control using entomopathogenic fungi. In particular, the compositions and methods of the invention provide residual biopesticide control for bed bug populations using barrier treatment compositions. The barrier treatment compositions may optionally include a host and / or artificial lure and / or trap to attract bed bug populations. The efficacy of the compositions and methods are significantly enhanced due to the horizontal transmission of conidia spores of the entomopathogenic fungi.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The human bed bug Cimex lectularius is a hematophagous insect that requires a blood meal for growth and development. Over the past de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]An advantage of the invention is effective use of entomopathogenic fungi for controlling all life stages of bed bugs to improve eradication of a population of bed bugs, along with prophylactic biopesticide treatment options. A further advantage of the invention is provided as a result of the methods of administration and use requiring only short-term exposure to a surface in order to provide a lethal dose. Still further, the present invention provides sprayed surfaces that are stable for extended periods of time allowing for spore survival and prolonged efficacy for the control and / or prophylaxis of bed bugs.

[0015]According to an embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a barrier treatment composition for bed bug control and / or prophylaxis comprising: a substrate surface; a source of an entomopathogenic fungi formulated in oil or an oil-based aqueous mixture or suspension; and an optional natural or artificial lure to attract bed bugs to said barrier treatment composition. In an aspect, the entomopathogenic fungus is a viable source of fungal conidia, and conidia applied onto the substrate surface to create the barrier treatment composition having a concentration of at least about 100 conidia / cm2. In a further aspect, the oil formulation is odorless and clear.

[0016]According to a further embodiment of the invention, the invention discloses a method for controlling and / or preventing bed bug populations using a biopesticide comprising: providing a barrier treatment composition comprising a substrate surface treated with entomopathogenic fungal conidia formulated in oil or an oil-based aqueous mixture or suspension, wherein said entomopathogenic fungi produce a viable source of fungal conidia which is applied onto the substrate surface to create the barrier treatment composition having a concentration of at least about 100 conidia / cm2; contacting a portion of a bed bug population with the barrier treatment composition, wherein the contact is the bed bug crossing the surface; causing the horizontal transmission of the conidia to an additional population of bed bugs; killing the first and second populations of bed bugs; and providing residual or prophylactic protection against additional bed bug populations.

[0017]While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Problems solved by technology

However, increased insecticide resistance threatens bed bug control efforts throughout the world (Moore and Miller, (2006).

In addition, pesticide resistance results in increased application rates and frequencies that unnecessarily expose humans and animals to these toxins.

Current infestations of bed bugs can result in significant costs, including for example, direct cost of treatments (insecticides and / or pesticides, fuming, cleaning, laundering, etc.), and indirect costs (e.g. lost profits).

This generally requires vacating and treating the infested room and all surrounding rooms (including above and below) due to the risk of harborages in adjoining infrastructures.

In addition, there are also significant psychological effects of having a bed bug infestation.

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